A deeper insight into dance and musical theater: A research-based study is forthcoming
- news.dateJan 20, 2025
The Augustinus Foundation has commissioned an independent research study into Denmark's performing arts sector from the Centre for Cultural Evaluation at Aarhus University
The study, with a particular focus on dance and music theater, aims to provide a current overview of the sector.
Augustinus Fonden is committed to supporting the long-term development and knowledge building of Danish cultural life. Therefore, the Center for Cultural Evaluation at Aarhus University is conducting an independent, research-based study of the performing arts sector in Denmark. The foundation has a long tradition of supporting the performing arts in Denmark, with a focus on dance and music theater. The study is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of these two art forms, with a focus on mapping the framework and identifying strengths and challenges within dance and music theater.
At the Augustinus Foundation, we aim to promote and develop arts and culture throughout the country. We also aspire to work on an informed basis and contribute to new knowledge in society about the areas we support. We see a great need for a general study of the performing arts sector, which can provide research-based insights. At the same time, it is important to us that this knowledge is also shared with the wider community.
The Augustinus Foundation provides funding for performing arts experiences nationwide, with a special emphasis on professional dance and music theater. In 2024, the Foundation awarded DKK 43 million to the performing arts sector. While the performing arts play a vital role in society, it is still a relatively understudied area of research.
The agreement with the Center for Cultural Evaluation at Aarhus University includes a research-based study utilizing various methods and data sources, each offering unique perspectives. The aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of dance and music theater as art forms in Denmark. The study is scheduled for completion between October 2024 and mid-2025. The report will be published and made freely available to all.
A brief overview of the study
About: Centre for Cultural Evaluation
Center for Cultural Evaluation, Department of Communication and Culture, Aarhus University
The Center for Cultural Evaluation (CCE) specializes in research and evaluation within a broad field of culture and communication. The CCE draws on research-based expertise in a wide understanding of culture, covering areas such as performing arts, cultural heritage, images, sound, media and communication, cultural policy issues, and audience analysis and development.
About CKE's Work
CKE's work is centered around conducting analyses and producing results in an impartial and objective manner, maintaining a suitable distance from requesters and stakeholders. CKE's research and evaluations are grounded in a solid methodological foundation, where CKE collects, processes, and combines various types of qualitative and quantitative data.
Support for Current Research
In addition to its ongoing support of research into Danish dance and music drama, the Augustinus Foundation is currently providing philanthropic funding of DKK 2.9 million to the research project 'BØV – Children's Encounters with the National Cultural Heritage'. This project is supported as part of the Augustinus Foundation's pool of funding for humanities research. BØV is being carried out in collaboration between the Center for Cultural Evaluation, the Royal Danish Theatre, the National Gallery of Denmark, and the National Museum of Denmark. The project's working group consists of Louise Ejgod Hansen (project manager) and Christiane Oved Særkjær (post-doc) from the Center for Cultural Evaluation, Nina Gram and Mette Langeberg Lund from the Royal Danish Theatre, Michael Hansen and Nana Bernhardt from the National Gallery of Denmark, and Nanna Holgaard and Rikke Tjørnehøj from the National Museum of Denmark. The project will be carried out during the period 2023-2026.
Philanthropy
About the Augustinus Foundation
Augustinus Foundation is one of Denmark's significant cultural foundations. Our primary focus in philanthropic work lies within the preservation, dissemination, and research of cultural heritage and in ensuring the development of creative arts such as music, dance, and visual arts. As part of supporting the long-term development of Danish cultural life, the foundation also contributes to knowledge building in the cultural sector and to projects that, with a focus on the core tasks of cultural institutions, contribute to the green transition.